Life with a Ford Ranger Raptor: Final Report
The Ford Ranger Raptor has proven to be an incredibly likable vehicle during its time on the Autocar fleet. With its 3.0-liter twin-turbo petrol V6 engine and Baja Rally-capable suspension, the Raptor offers an impressive combination of off-road capability and on-road sophistication. It arrived with some additional features, including orange paint, decals, and a Dress Up Pack, bringing its base price of £60,064 to £63,544.
The Raptor’s suspension, designed by off-road racing expert Fox, sets it apart from other pick-up trucks on the market. Combined with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires developed exclusively for the Raptor by BF Goodrich, the suspension allows the vehicle to handle rough terrain with ease. While it may be overkill for the UK’s roads, the Raptor proved itself capable during green lane outings and coped well with flooded lanes thanks to its high wade depth.
On the road, the Raptor offers a surprisingly refined and comfortable ride. It rides with absorbency and minimal body shimmy, providing a more car-like feel compared to other large pick-up trucks. However, its fuel economy is not impressive, averaging around 22mpg. But considering its capabilities and performance, this can be seen as acceptable.
The Raptor’s durability has been impressive, with no issues reported during its time on the Autocar fleet. The vehicle also holds its value well, with a secondhand Raptor with additional options still commanding around £54,000 on the forecourt.
Overall, the Ford Ranger Raptor is a highly capable and enjoyable vehicle. It combines off-road prowess with on-road comfort and refinement, making it a versatile choice for those who want a rugged vehicle that can handle any job with ease.
Second Opinion: Autocar’s editor-at-large, Steve Cropley, also found the Raptor to be an irresistible vehicle. He praised its lack of seriousness and restraint, highlighting its ability to encourage silliness and fun. Despite its impracticality in the UK, he admired the Raptor for its total appeal.
Life with a Ford Ranger Raptor: Month 3
During the third month of living with the Ford Ranger Raptor, its practicality and on-road performance were put to the test. The Raptor proved itself on long motorway journeys, offering good forward visibility, stability, and a car-like interior feel. Despite its fuel consumption averaging in the low-20s mpg, the Raptor provided a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience.
Parking the Raptor in tight spaces, such as multi-storey car parks, was initially daunting due to its size. However, with its excellent visibility, direct steering, and large mirrors, maneuvering the vehicle became surprisingly stress-free. The Raptor’s height and width were manageable, and its unkerbable alloy wheels made parking easier. The electrically operated load cover also proved useful in keeping items in the bed dry.
The Raptor’s wheels were found to be almost kerb-proof, further adding to its practicality. Its ability to handle narrow streets with parked cars on both sides was impressive, with the vehicle’s size not hindering confidence in placing it on the road. The Raptor’s spacious cabin and roomy rear section provided ample storage for gear during outdoor activities.
While some minor issues were noted, such as intermittent USB connectivity and the location of front USB ports, overall, the Ford Ranger Raptor showcased its practicality and versatility during everyday use.
Life with a Ford Ranger Raptor: Month 2
During the second month of ownership, the Ford Ranger Raptor’s suitability for farm use was explored. As a pick-up truck, it offered the convenience of keeping the load bed dirty while keeping the cabin tidy. The Raptor’s high load bed and lowered tailgate made retrieving items from the bed a bit challenging, requiring additional effort to reach objects that had slid forward.
The Raptor’s practicality extended beyond farm use, with its off-road capabilities and spacious interior making it a versatile vehicle for various activities. Despite its size, the Raptor proved surprisingly easy to place on the road, providing confidence and ease of driving in narrow streets with parked cars on both sides.
The vehicle’s fuel consumption averaged in the low-20s mpg, which is acceptable considering its purpose and capabilities. Some minor issues were noted, such as occasional smartphone pairing difficulties and the vehicle’s height and aerial potentially being problematic in multi-storey car parks.
Overall, the Ford Ranger Raptor showcased its practicality and versatility, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a capable off-roader with everyday usability.
Life with a Ford Ranger Raptor: Month 1
During the first month of ownership, the Ford Ranger Raptor impressed with its on-road performance and refinement. Despite its size, the Raptor exhibited minimal body shake and offered a quiet and comfortable ride. The vehicle’s steering was precise and stable, allowing for easy maneuvering on the road.
The Raptor’s interior quality matched its price point, offering a refined and well-equipped cabin. It provided a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience, with the standard equipment list being generous. The Raptor’s separate chassis and body did not compromise its torsional rigidity, further enhancing its on-road refinement.
Off-road capabilities were briefly touched upon, with the Raptor’s specialist suspension and four-wheel drive system offering impressive performance. The vehicle’s powerful engine provided ample power for most situations, although more power could be useful in certain scenarios.
Overall, the Ford Ranger Raptor showcased its all-round appeal, combining rugged off-road capability with on-road refinement and comfort. Its price, considering its features and hardware, was deemed reasonable compared to other vehicles in the market.
Second Opinion: Autocar’s editor-at-large, Steve Cropley, found the Ford Ranger Raptor to be an incredibly compelling and practical vehicle. He compared it to owning a Caterham Seven, highlighting its unique and enjoyable driving experience. Despite its unconventional nature, the Raptor offered practicality and versatility that made it a tempting choice.
